Category: Latest News

SCMT is fully back to face to face music lessons from May 2021.

We’re delighted that all SCMT tutors have returned to face-to-face music lessons.  All are fully COVID19 compliant, vetted, DBS checked and have risk assessments in place. We’re also freshly recruiting which means lots of tutors with space for new music pupils. You can start straight away, from mid-June… or from September!

We are ready and waiting for your call or email, excited to chat through the options available; lessons at home, University campuses, tutor premises… on a wide range of instruments. Flexible arrangements are also possible as we move gradually away from lessons online…

SCMT is the largest and most highly recommended music teaching service for children in your area, providing music lessons to all ages and abilities since 2004. Come and join us as soon as you can!

First music lesson free, without obligation

Pay as you go (if you’d prefer)

Music lessons at home, your local university, schools, private studios or online

Piano, singing, violin, cello, guitar, brass, woodwind, music theory

Music teachers trained to degree level, grade 8 standard, fully vetted

Concerts and performance opportunities provided all year round

Scholarship/audition/GCSE study and referencing

Free materials to get you started

Over 100 music exam passes in 2019 (ABRSM, Trinity, RSL)

 

 

Face to face Music lessons for your children in 2021…  http://www.cassam.co.uk

We’re on instagram!  https://www.instagram.com/scmt.music.tuition/

 

FACE TO FACE MUSIC EXAMS!

When we’re tested… ?

It starts when we’re so little; and it doesn’t stop. Our patience, our nerve, our determination, our kindness, our beliefs, our motivation, our ability to just let things be. Tested, tested, tested ?

The lessons we learn as we go through life can help us rationalise and calm our nerves, and we can teach these lessons to our children, adapting them to the different challenges they might face?

The pointers below are great for assisting in overcoming a child’s nerves before taking a music exam, but they also apply to any sort of performance! Any day where you’re asked to prepare yourself and be brave in front of others ??

LET’S GO! ?

Focus on the outcome ➡️. What can you do straight afterwards. An icecream? A movie?

Remember it will be over quickly ➡️. Most music performance exams are less that 20 mins!

Put it in perspective ➡️. It really is a tiny part of the day.

Practise just beforehand ➡️. Literally JUST before, so that they’re merely repeating the performance in front of examiner, fully warmed up.

Look after your body ➡️. Eat. Drink lots of water. Flex your fingers.

Sit still and quiet for a while ➡️. Lots of deep breaths can help. Empty your mind of the worry for a few minutes if you can. It doesn’t matter if you can’t keep it up for long ?

Be very organised ➡️. This can really help! Small surprises and changes can kick-start the nerves, especially for first-time performers.

Work as a team ➡️. Be there for them. Show solid support. Make your child feel safe and supported, in control of what happens from the moment they arrive at the exam venue.

Face to face music exams are back on!?❤️?

Face to face music lessons from 8th March…

 

We’re delighted that from Monday 8th March our tutors are back to face to face lessons, fully COVID19 compliant and with risk assessments in place.  We’re also freshly recruiting which means lots of tutors with space for new music pupils.  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Susanna and the team are ready and waiting for your call or email, excited to chat through the options available;  lessons at home, tutor premises, a wide range of instruments, flexible timings as we move gradually away from lessons online.

Music lessons have been disrupted for an entire year now and the lack of performance opportunities has been heartbreaking for so many.  We’re hoping that things will now only get better.  The concerts are booked for June, spring is coming and it’s time to make music in front of each other again, rather than from behind a screen…  See you very soon (face to face music lessons from 8th March)!

SCMT is a traditional music school of professional tutors, all holding music degrees and actively endorsed by our local centres/music shops… and six University Music Faculties. We’ve been here for 17 years and continually strive to give privately taught music lessons a breath of fresh air.

First music lesson free, without obligation

Pay as you go (if you’d prefer)

Music lessons at home, your local university, schools, private studios or online

Piano, singing, violin, cello, guitar, brass

Music teachers trained to degree level, grade 8 standard, fully vetted

Concerts and performance opportunities provided all year round

Scholarship/audition/GCSE study and referencing

Free materials to get you started

Over 100 ABRSM music exam passes in 2019

“We have had music tutors through Susanna Cassam for over 10 years for our sons. All of the tutors have been fantastic, professional, kind and inspiring. We are so grateful to Susanna for offering such a great service and to the wonderful tutors the boys have had the privilege to be taught by over the years.”  Tori, parent  http://www.cassam.co.uk/testimonials

Face to face music lessons from 8th March

SCMT is COVID regulations compliant.  Please contact us for more details.  Lessons will be gradually returning to your homes and tutor premises once restrictions ease and we’re so pleased that things are looking more positive in that regard.  Lessons online are of course still available and we’re ready and waiting for your call if you’re looking to start.  You can even alternate between the two.  We have numerous tutors keen to fill up their timetables (COVID music lessons compliant https://www.ism.org/advice/easing-of-lockdown-restrictions).

 

This testimonial really warmed us up today… for Anthony, an SCMT piano teacher.

 Anthony has boundless enthusiasm for music and for exciting his students on their musical journey. Martha adores him and looks forward to her lessons because she knows they will be fun, her progress will be praised and she will be given things to work on before the next week. Now Martha is a very busy 8 year old and doesn’t always practise as much as she should but she never wants to disappoint Anthony. He has a lovely rapport with Martha. They laugh a lot – something that is crucial when you’re having a go at something you find quite tricky. She likes the way he will be inventive and accompanies her playing with a funky flair – bringing the music alive and making the likes of ‘Horsey Horsey’ cool and grown up. The lessons are always weekly and Anthony does this best to reschedule any missed ones. Friendly, polite and professional?! In bucket loads!”  http://www.cassam.co.uk/testimonials

• First music lesson free, without obligation
• Pay as you go (if you’d prefer)
• Music lessons at home, your local university, schools, private studios and online
• Piano, singing, violin, cello, guitar, brass
• Music teachers trained to degree level, grade 8 standard, fully vetted
• Concerts and performance opportunities provided all year round
• Scholarship study and referencing
• Free materials to get you started
• Over 100 ABRSM music exam passes in 2019

COVID music lessons

Returning to face to face music lessons after the COVID19 lockdown.  Are you and your children ready, willing and excited?

Having spoken to many parents over the last few days, it’s become clear that children have as many queries and concerns as they do!  Of a different nature though.  As parents, we are generally quite good at collating a list of questions, and in response it doesn’t take SCMT long as an organisation to be very specific regarding what is allowed, possible or encouraged (our next set of guidelines goes out to clients next week and if you’re new to us all of your queries will be answered when you enquire).

Generally speaking, if a child was enjoying their lessons before the virus, whether they continued online or had a long break, they’ll be delighted at things returning to normal.  There are some not so sure, both specifically regarding their music lessons and returning to a ‘social’ life generally.  Parents have voiced the following relating to children restarting lessons (permission granted):

 

She hasn’t seen Luke for 6 months, so much has happened.  She’s nervous to start again and hasn’t really practised…

Arrange a short phone-call or video-chat between your tutor and your child to chat through what happens next for your Music lessons and COVID19.  Make it light-hearted and straightforward.  Be honest about progress and practise straight away so that expectations don’t add to the stress of the changes.

 

Ella is worried about September.  She’s actually really enjoyed online lessons, but I think she achieves far more when she sees Laura face to face…

Children almost always achieve more in face to face lessons.  They are constantly engaged, present, and conscious of impressing their teacher.  Suggest a single face to face lesson to see how it goes, and pre-warn the tutor, so that they can ensure the lesson offers all it can in persuading your child that this is a better way.

 

As a family we’re wondering whether to wait longer… just to see how things pan out.  If we start again then have to stop it’ll add more chaos to her progress.

Every family sees things differently, and concerns like this aren’t rare.  Remember though that if face to face lessons have to stop gain, you can simply swop to online, for a period which would hopefully be much shorter than the six months endured previously.

 

Can we see how things go, and return to online lessons if Adam prefers it?  He’s nervous about returning to school as well as rules generally when face to face piano lessons start again.

Talk through any routines/rules that apply to COVID before the tutors arrives, so nothing is a surprise and the changes are small and easy to follow.  Remind them that this is a normal, existing arrangement and that they/yourself/the teacher can make decisions as a team on a weekly basis.

 

SCMT Music Tuition will treat each family with care, assuming all family circumstances unique until the COVID crisis is truly over.  Please get in touch with us anytime to chat things through.  In most instances, you can alternate between online and face to face lessons as you feel appropriate.  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

COVID19 testimonials can be found here:  https://www.cassam.co.uk/testimonials/

SCMT MUSIC TUITION is in the process of returning to face to face music lessons (1 on 1 only, September start) in accordance with government guidelines. You can contact us directly by phone or email for reassurance before booking, as we’re very happy to talk through each family arrangement to ensure everyone is happy and minimising risk. We have options continuing for online music lessons too and you can even switch from one to the other if circumstances change. Our priority has always been to teach, nurture and inspire children on their instruments face to face, so we’re excited to see everyone again as soon as possible. Music is best taught in an environment where teachers can showcase skills, correct technique as it happens and build a long-term, in-person rapport with their students. SEE YOU SOON!

SCMT Music tuition – online music lessons for children available immediately…

1 – 1 teaching on piano, singing, violin, cello, guitar

Any devise will do!  Your phone, laptop or home computer

1^st lesson free and pay as you go if you’d rather

Over 100 tutors to choose from

Music theory, music tech, GCSE and A level syllabuses also available

Options of 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons

Flexible lesson times, 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week

Perhaps you’ve never considered the option of music lessons online for your child, but in these months of uncertainty, virtual lessons are the perfect solution in the short term.  Your child will be excited, engaged and inspired to keep learning.  We’ll tailor your lessons to your needs and can be flexible with your arrangements.  Get in touch today!

SCMT has recently recruited some absolutely brilliant new teachers for piano, violin and singing. Featured here is Natalia… a violin and piano teacher with a wealth of experience, inspiration and talent at her finger-tips. She’s brilliant with children and believes that every single lesson should have its own individual focus and direction. We endeavour to provide the best music tuition there is across the areas we cover, which keeps us very busy indeed! We hope you’ll enjoy having a browse on the website where there are over 100 tutors on our team, all absolutely loving their teaching careers. Please call or use the contact form on the website to enquire about the teachers suited to your instrument, location and availability…

‘Nataly is a violin and piano teacher based in Chichester.  She is formerly an artist of Moldovan National Opera and Ballet Theatre, whom she toured with around multiple European countries. She has more than 20 years of experience playing the violin.  With the Licenciate Degree in Music from Conservatoire of Moldova and MA Degree in Music Performance at University of Chichester, Nataly is sharing her experience and passion for music to students of different ages and abilities. Nataly has an individual approach to each student and believes that music must bring fun and joy to every person.’

This weekend SCMT Music Tuition is celebrating 15 years of Children’s Concerts. It’s a massive milestone for our ever-expanding community of young musicians and we couldn’t be more excited.

We pride ourselves on keeping all performance environments intimate and relaxed. The audience flooded with friends and family, within stunning venues that make the occasion really stand out in everyone’s memory. We have concerts exclusively for beginners so that no-one feels intimidated and Susanna personally oversees every element of the day to ensure each child’s experience lifts their spirits and inspires them to return again next time. Every musician, regardless of their age or ability, benefits from an incentive to improve. Exams aren’t for everyone perhaps… but I would suggest that our concerts are. Music lives to be let out!

Children’s Concerts for 15 years!

We have more than 120 performances scheduled this time around… more than ever before:

Saturday 30th Nov. Wesley Memorial Church https://www.wesleymem.org.uk/welcome.htm

Sunday 1st December. Brighton Unitarian Church http://www.brightonunitarian.org.uk  

“I have been teaching for SCMT for over 10 years and Susanna has always been extremely professional, supportive and friendly. She is very committed to providing good quality music education and ensuring that tutors, parents and pupils are all happy with how lessons are progressing The summer and Christmas concerts she organises every year are always a great success and my pupils have really enjoyed taking part. Parents have mentioned to me that they really appreciate their children having this opportunity to perform in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere outside of a school setting. I would not hesitate at all to recommend SCMT to anyone who is looking for a music tutor.”  Andrea, piano and violin teacher

We have been going through our music lesson testimonials today and picking our favourites.  Here are two of them.  It sums up so many things about a good music teacher.  Their attitude, talent, dedication and ability to engage their pupils at every step.  We have over 100 testimonials on the website, direct from parents and their inspired children.  Come and have a read!

For Anthony (pictured), one of our busiest and most popular piano teachers in Hove…

“Anthony has boundless enthusiasm for music and for exciting his students on their musical journey. Martha adores him and looks forward to her lessons because she knows they will be fun, her progress will be praised and she will be given things to work on before the next week. Now Martha is a very busy 8 year old and doesn’t always practise as much as she should but she never wants to disappoint Anthony. He has a lovely rapport with Martha. They laugh a lot – something that is crucial when you’re having a go at something you find quite tricky. She likes the way he will be inventive and accompanies her playing with a funky flair – bringing the music alive and making the likes of ‘Horsey Horsey’ cool and grown up. The lessons are always weekly and Anthony does this best to reschedule any missed ones. Friendly, polite and professional?! In bucket loads!”

“Susanna is extremely organised, super friendly and very knowledgeable about teaching music and all it entails. She’s super easy to work for and is highly committed to Music education. She has a big range of teachers and ensures students progress and keeps good relationships with parents and teachers. She also puts on great concerts which is an important part of music training.”  Phil, piano teacher

More music lesson testimonials!  http://www.cassam.co.uk/testimonials

Here at SCMT Music Tuition we’re running and jumping into the new term!

We have numerous new teachers in every area for you to try. They are all talented, engaging and kind.  Here are a few of the reasons you should contact us FIRST when your child is thinking about starting a musical instrument:

• First music lesson free, without obligation

Whether you’re looking for music lessons in Chichester, Brighton, Guildford, Bath, Bristol or Oxford, we’ve got plenty of lovely music tutors to choose from.

The charity concerts are coming!  Sunday, 19th May, 1pm – 8pm.

Five Concerts.  120 performances!

We’ll be raising as much money as we can for ‘Centrepoint’ and are sponsored by Ackerman Music (www.ackerman.co.uk).

We’re so excited to hear your music – thank you ALL for working so hard for this moment.

Performing music is a fundamental part of any musician’s journey.  Music is better shared… and performing is a confidence boosting experience for the performer and a huge moment of pride for teachers, friends and family.  Even if you are a new musician and have no particular performance ambitions, there are massive benefits to allowing others to occasionally witness your skills.

‘When I’d finished I felt like a King!’  Leo Davies (aged 5), SCMT concert performer, beginner piano, June 2016.

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Sunday 19th May 2019

All Saints Church, The Drive, Hove.  BN3 3QE (a temporary move away from Brighton Unitarian due to clashing availability).

1pm – 5.30pm – Children’s Concerts x 4.

6pm onwards –  Adults and advanced teens.  Mini recitals (full details being sent out separately)

Guest price:  £6 for adults (payable on the door, cash only, free to all children and performers).  All proceeds to charity.  Refreshments provided for free throughout the day.

________________________________________

Centrepoint is the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity.  They help vulnerable young people by giving them the practical and emotional support they need to find a job and live independently.  www.centrepoint.org.uk

If you’re looking to enrol your child in a music school in Brighton, then head on over to our contact form and get in touch.

We’ve booked the SCMT Summer Concerts for Sunday 19th May this year and can confirm we will be raising as much money as possible for the homeless charity, Centrepoint  (www.centrepoint.org.uk ).  We had some brilliant suggestions regarding other charities and wish we could support every one of them, so thank you all for getting in touch.   As usual we are being sponsored by our wonderful friends at Ackerman Music (www.ackermanmusic.co.uk).

Please note that the concerts are this year all scheduled onto one date so it’ll be a very busy day!  We really hope you are free to play something, so please put it in your diary now as we know your weekends can get very busy.  The concerts are free choice and welcome all ages and abilities.  All instruments, solos, duets and ensembles are very welcome.  We’re hoping to run the mini-recitals again too.  If you are new to us, please be assured that ALL of the concerts offer a uniquely relaxed environment and a great opportunity to play for friends and family in a beautiful venue.  Complete beginners are very welcome (in fact we have entire concerts dedicated to you!).

 

SCMT SUMMER 2019 CONCERTS.  Sunday 19th May 2019.

NEW VENUE:  All Saints Church, The Drive, Hove.  BN3 3QE (a temporary move away from Brighton Unitarian due to clashing availability).

1pm – 5.30pm – Children’s Concerts x 3.

6pm onwards –  Adults and plus advanced teens.  Mini recitals (full details being sent out separately)

(the above details re ‘age/standard of play’ are general guidelines.  Should you be unable to attend at the time allocated we will try to slot you into another space.  Please kindly let us know of any problems before the deadline to ensure we can move you). 

Guest price:  £6 for adults (payable on the door, cash only, free to all children and performers).  All proceeds to charity.

 Entry deadline:  Friday 19th April.

 

Please note:

1. Maximum of 1 or 2 pieces per performer.  Total performance time of 3 minutes (children’s concerts) and 6 minutes (adults/advanced concerts).  Mini recitals, maximum of 20 minutes performance time, or 3 pieces.
2. Performance lists, inclusive of your particular concert time, will be emailed to you once the deadline has passed and performances have been collated.  Full programmes will be supplied on the door free or charge.   Drinks and nibbles will be served throughout as usual, also free of charge.
3. You can either submit your entry to Susanna in person at this email address, or simply let your tutor know.
4.  Please note that the price this year has risen from £5 to £6 for adults.  This is for the first rise in 15 years, thank you for your continued support.

We would like to congratulate Helen and her tutor River for passing the ABRSM Copper Music Medal in violin. What an achievement… keep up the good work!  River prides himself in engaging and inspiring his pupils onto great things, a real asset to us and he still has spaces free. Are you considering music lessons for your child? If so, get in touch and we’ll chat you through the process, establish who would be be the best choice for a tutor… and put you straight in touch for a free, no obligation trial on the instrument of your choice. Nothing to lose and epic musical adventures to gain. Come and join us!

SCMT Christmas 2018 Concerts

What a triumph!  An amazing weekend of performances.  What a happy, inspired and exciting bunch you are.  Here is a photo from Concert 1 which showcased the youngest of our pianists.  Most were performing in public for the first time.  We were all massively impressed and can’t wait to see you again next year!

Thank you to all the parents, friends, tutors and extended families that came to support their loved ones.  Performance is the key to confidence and progression… and your presence on the day makes their whole musical journey worthwhile and unforgettable.

Have a wonderful Christmas,

With love from Susanna and the whole SCMT team

We’ve joined forces with The Piano Shop Bath!   www.thepianoshopbath.co.uk. They quite simply sell the best acoustic pianos anywhere in the South and have an enormous selection catering for ALL budgets and tastes. We visited the shop recently and were blown away by their passion, dedication and service. What a team! You simply must have a look on their website.  We can’t wait to work alongside them, building and nurturing and inspiring our community of young musicians in the South. Exciting times ahead…

SCMT Music Tuition expanded to Bath in 2016 and is growing fast. Click here to find out more about music lessons in Bath.